Stephens (at left) steps up from his role SFRTA's deputy executive director, which he has held since May 2003. Last month he was named interim executive director.

"The organization and staff need the stability provided by a leader they have been working with for more than a decade as we face the myriad challenges ahead of us. The right candidate was already in-house and well-known to us," said SFRTA Governing Board Chair, Commissioner Steven L. Abrams. "The seamless transition to Jack's leadership has already begun."

Stephens' career also includes a stint with Atlanta's Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), where he held several roles. He has a B.A. degree from the University of the South and a Master's degree from the University of Georgia Stephens resides in Pompano Beach, Fla.